The problem i think is, u the page is not loaded with the default value..u are calling the same page on onChange event of the list..
i think this code will be useful
<select name="" onChange="..">
<option value="s">Save</option>
<option value="u">Update</option>
<option value="d">Delete</option>
</select>
.....
//as u know the default value is Save,the remaining program can be written with value="Save"...
String s = "Save";
if(request.getParameter("selectoption") != null)
s = "Save";
// so in the first case, the request.getParameter("selectoption") would be null, then the value of s will be default value ie, "Save"...
i hope this explanation helps u..